12 things you might not know about 'A Christmas Story'

The 30 years later and the movie still hasn't lost its charm

By Compiled by Tricia Schwennesen

on December 24, 2013 10:34 AM

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"A Christmas Story' made its debut on Nov. 18, 1983, but the story had been in the works for 10 years. Now considered a holiday classic, in recent years television stations have aired a marathon of the movie where it shows for 24 hours before Christmas. The movie is celebrating 30 years. Express-News Staff Writer René Guzman presents some fun facts you may not have known. less

"A Christmas Story' made its debut on Nov. 18, 1983, but the story had been in the works for 10 years. Now considered a holiday classic, in recent years television stations have aired a marathon of the movie ... more

Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in the movie, went on to co-produce a staged, musical adaptation of the movie that opened on Broadway in 2012. In this photo, John Bolton, center, and company in “A Christmas Story, The Musical!” less

Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in the movie, went on to co-produce a staged, musical adaptation of the movie that opened on Broadway in 2012. In this photo, John Bolton, center, and company in “A ... more

Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in the movie, went on to... Photo-4553695.76648 - San Antonio Express-News

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Billingsley also produced movies including, 'Ironman' and 'The Break-Up.'

Billingsley also produced movies including, 'Ironman' and 'The Break-Up.'

Jean Shepherd narrated ‘A Christmas Story,’ giving voice to the adult Ralphie Parker. He wrote the Christmas adventure based on semi-fictional stories from his own childhood in Hammond, Indiana. He went on to work for PBS and died in 1999 of natural causes. less

Jean Shepherd narrated ‘A Christmas Story,’ giving voice to the adult Ralphie Parker. He wrote the Christmas adventure based on semi-fictional stories from his own childhood in Hammond, Indiana. He went on ... more

A fantasy sequence shot for the film shows Ralphie joining Flash Gordon, to fight Ming the Merciless but the footage ended up on the cutting room floor.

A fantasy sequence shot for the film shows Ralphie joining Flash Gordon, to fight Ming the Merciless but the footage ended up on the cutting room floor.

A fantasy sequence shot for the film shows Ralphie joining Flash... Photo-2605629.76648 - San Antonio Express-News

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In this now famous scene, Flick (Scott Schwartz) gets his tongue stuck to a flagpole while Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) watched. To make the scene work, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion. less

In this now famous scene, Flick (Scott Schwartz) gets his tongue stuck to a flagpole while Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) watched. To make the scene work, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the ... more

Photo: (C) TURNER BROADCASTING, INC.

In this now famous scene, Flick (Scott Schwartz) gets his tongue... Photo-5637460.76648 - San Antonio Express-News

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The house in Cleveland where much of the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story” was filmed was put up for auction in 2005 and later restored to its film appearance. The house and adjacent museum expect an influx of visitors on the 30th anniversary of the quirky holiday film. less

The house in Cleveland where much of the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story” was filmed was put up for auction in 2005 and later restored to its film appearance. The house and adjacent museum expect an influx of ... more

Photo: AP

The house in Cleveland where much of the 1983 movie “A Christmas... Photo-5637629.76648 - San Antonio Express-News

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'A Christmas Story' went on to inspire the creation of the hit ABC television show, the Wonder Years, starring a young Fred Savage and Danica McKeller.

'A Christmas Story' went on to inspire the creation of the hit ABC television show, the Wonder Years, starring a young Fred Savage and Danica McKeller.

'A Christmas Story' went on to inspire the creation of... Photo-3449302.76648 - San Antonio Express-News